Following the recent Budget announcement, here are the key dates to remember for the implementation of significant changes.
Alcohol Price Increase: Alcohol duty will go up by 3.66% starting February 2026, following the Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation. This adjustment will result in an additional 11p for Prosecco, 13p for red wine, and 38p for gin per bottle, according to the Wine and Spirit Trade Association.
Frozen Rail Fares: Rail fares in England, which typically increase annually in April, will remain unchanged until 2027 as confirmed by the Chancellor. This decision comes after a 4.6% increase in regulated ticket prices earlier this year.
End of Two-Child Benefit Cap: From April 2026, the restriction on claiming further Universal Credit or Tax Credits for a third or subsequent child will be lifted.
State Pension Increase: Starting April 2026, the state pension will rise by 4.8%, with the full new state pension reaching £241.30 per week (£12,547.60 annually) from £230.25. This adjustment is in line with the triple lock system.
DWP Benefits Adjustment: Most benefit payments will increase in April 2026 in line with the previous September inflation rate, with the Universal Credit standard allowance seeing a significant rise.
Car Tax Hike: Car tax rates will rise with RPI inflation from April 2026, affecting most cars registered in the UK after April 1, 2017, with a standard annual rate of £195.
Energy Bill Reduction: Rachel Reeves has pledged a £150 cut in average energy bills from April 2026 by eliminating the Energy Company Obligation scheme.
Minimum Wage Increase: Effective April 2026, the minimum wage will rise by 4.1% to £12.71 per hour for workers aged 21 and over.
NHS Prescription Freeze: Contrary to the usual annual increase, NHS prescription costs will remain at the current price of £9.90 per item as confirmed by the Chancellor.
Fuel Duty Reduction Ending: The 5p per litre fuel duty reduction will only be in effect until September 2026, with a gradual reversal thereafter.
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